John Philipp Curran of Manchester

John Philipp Curran, 84, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at home. He was born on April 2, 1941, in Des Moines, the son of William and Vera (Philipp) Curran. John was raised and educated in Manchester, graduating from Manchester High School in 1959. Following graduation, he attended Upper Iowa in Fayette.

He lived his entire life in Manchester. John was a Social Studies teacher at West Delaware Junior High and High School in Manchester, where he was respected by students and colleagues alike. A long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Manchester, John was active in church and community life. He was also a passionate advocate for the Castle Theatre, volunteering his time and serving on the board to help preserve this treasured local landmark. John’s community service included being a long time Boy Scout leader, served on the Board of Directors for Oakland Cemetery, was a member of the Manchester City Council and was a Mason. He loved the outdoors and spent his younger years traveling the world.

John is survived by his many friends from church, school, and throughout the community. He will be especially missed by his “Hardees Group”. John was preceded in death by his parents.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester is assisting John’s friends at this time.

Thank you to Care Initiatives Hospice and Jan Miller for their exceptional care of John.

Memorials may be directed to Castle Theatre.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Celebration of Life: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Community Center in Manchester, Iowa.